Luke Gale: Mark Applegarth reveals more on ‘freak’ training incident

Wakefield Trinity boss Mark Applegarth has revealed more on the ‘freak’ training accident that has sidelined Luke Gale with injury. 

The former England international is set to undergo a scan later on Thursday, with the club having responded to rumours online that the 35-year-old had suffered a season-ending injury.

An update on Wednesday confirmed a foot injury for the ex-Hull skipper, although it’s better news than reported with no break.

Gale made his much-anticipated Wakefield debut against Hull KR in Round 16, having fought a groin injury following his move from Keighley earlier in May.

He later played a big part in the club’s only second triumph of the season, securing a 32-6 home win over Salford Red Devils last week to reduce the deficit to just four points between themselves and Castleford Tigers on the Super League table.

Wakefield boss reveals more on Luke Gale incident

Providing an update, Applegarth told media on Thursday: “It was a bit of freak accident to be honest with you.

“He put a kick through in training and tripped over someone’s leg and caught his other foot in the grass.

“I didn’t actually see it live, I had to look back on the drone. I just turned around and he was writhing around on the floor in pain.

“We’re getting a scan today now the swelling has gone down.

“We’re hoping it’s not as bad as first feared.

“We’ll see what the scan shows, but it’s definitely not broken.

“We’re just hoping it’s a sprain and that he doesn’t need surgery, but we’ll see what the scan says.

“We’ve tried not to make song and dance about it.

“Luke Gale is a quality player and adds lot of value to our team, but it’s a good chance for someone else to step in.”

Meanwhile, the club confirmed that half-back Morgan Smith has suffered a season-ending blow, having undergone surgery on his foot.

He linked up with the Belle Vue side from Featherstone ahead of the 2023 campaign on a two-year deal, and has gone on to make 13 Super League appearances.

“He got it at Hull KR, just before the half-time whistle, he was struggling,” Applegarth explained.

“Then at half-time, the physio whispered in my ear that he he could not go back on.

“He’s had surgery on that and he should be back for the start of pre-season.

“He was just starting to get a grasp of it again at Super League level, so I was really pleased to see him finding his feet.

“He’ll be back, he’ll be bigger and he’ll be stronger and we’ve just got to move on and deal with that blow and move forward.”

Applegarth is hoping to have overseas recruit Mason Lino back in time for next week’s clash with Huddersfield at the John Smith’s Stadium, with Wigan up next this Friday.

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